4 minute read
Letter from the Executive Director
Since February 19, 2022, we have held twelve workshops from shibori fabric dying, painting to ikebana; eight book signings; eighteen movies…from a Studio Ghibli animation festival to Lane Nishikawa’s “Only the Brave”; twelve in-person talks from Kathy Collins’ Yakamashii to ones about Enka and Anime; one Frank Sinatra evening; one modern dance recital, a preschool graduation and five intergenerational gatherings for Kansha and Maui Adult Day Care Center with Uncle Wayne and his guitar. Not to mention our twenty-five zoom programs!
We hosted politicians, school groups, community groups, and university students from Japan and England. Over 1,700 people came to see our exhibits. NVMC additionally held our very first Golf Tournament, participated in the Okinawan Festival on Oahu, and walked several miles for Charity Walk. We ended 2022 with our Annual Dinner celebrating the Heroes in our community – Zenshin Daiko, Janna Hoehn, and Valerie Matsunaga with an amazing keynote speech by the talented and gracious Hollywood actress Tamlyn Tomita, followed by a special book signing and exhibit by Los Angeles Photographer Shane Sato.
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With all of these activities under our belts, we are ready for an exciting 2023, which we commenced with a very special Hatsudate Tea Ceremony thanks to Tankokai Maui.
The SIRC has allowed us to expand our reach by bringing new people to the Center while allowing the downstairs Education Center to go back to being a full-time space for exhibits.
As our former External Director, now Congresswoman Jill Tokuda shared in her remarks at the opening “the NVMC was built on a foundation of gratitude and humility in honor of those who came before us. Each brick laid was thanks to the sacrifice and selflessness of many who embraced the values of our Nisei veterans. They had the vision to carry on the legacy of our Nisei and to inspire people to find the hero within themselves.” Truly a community effort for a community space.
NVMC will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Education Center this April and we have a myriad of exciting events planned. Of all the things that we do - workshops, programs, talks - the most exciting aspect is sharing the personal stories, incredible bravery, and world-changing legacy of our Nisei veterans and their families. Nothing is as rewarding as helping family members learn about their grandfathers’ time in WWII or sharing the history to someone new to the Nisei story. The perpetuation of the story has always been our foundation, our reason for existing, and that will never change…no matter how many movies or workshops we add to the calendar.
We love the new SIRC space and look forward to seeing you (in person or virtually) at upcoming events. Remember, we always have a cup of tea or coffee waiting for you.
Sincerely,
THE OKAGE SAMA DE newsletter is a free publication issued by the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center.
We encourage family and friends to submit articles, information, photos, questions, and comments to Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
P.O. Box 216
Kahului, HI 96733-6716
The Nvmc Mission
The NVMC ignites human potential by inspiring people to find the hero in themselves through the legacy of the Nisei veterans.
The Nvmc Vision
We envision a community where all people act selflessly for the greater good.
The Nvmc Values
Being selfless for the greater good. Leading by example. Living in gratitude. Inspiring courage in adversity. Doing the right thing, always.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Deidre Tegarden
RESEARCH ARCHIVIST
Melanie Agrabante
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kyoko Kimura, President
Grant Nakama, Vice President
Trevor Tokishi, Treasurer
Linden Joesting, Secretary DIRECTORS
Peter Hanano
Rachelle Ouye
Cummins ‘Bo’ Mahoe
Michael Munekiyo
Colbert Matsumoto
Catherine Shimizu
Jan Yokouchi
Dana Young
NISEI VETERANS
MEMORIAL CENTER
1 Go For Broke Place, Wailuku
Hours: Noon to 4 P.M. Weekdays
By Appointment Only
(808) 244-NVMC (6862) www.nvmc.org
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The popular Monthly Movie Matinee, presented by Maui Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans, will be held on the second Saturday of every month, featuring a variety of informative and entertaining films.
Special events in this anniversary year will include a benefit golf tournament, an Akira Kurosawa film festival, and the 20th annual NVMC dinner.
Specific dates and details of each program will be advertised in the NVMC
Weekly Wednesday Update and on the NVMC website (nvmc.org). To ensure you don’t miss any of the upcoming events, subscribe to the e-mail list (sign up on the website) and follow the center on Facebook (facebook.com/MauiNVMC).
Visits to the center’s exhibits, including the 10th anniversary retrospective, will continue to be by appointment only, during the hours of noon to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FUTURE EVENTS OR TO REGISTER: CALL (808)244-6862 | VISIT NVMC.ORG
OPENING IN APRIL 2023
10th Anniversary Exhibit
Opening in early April.
APRIL 08, 2023 | 1PM DOORS OPEN
Monthly Movie Matinee
Free! Reservations required. Hosted at the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center.
APRIL 15, 2023 | 3PM
Afternoon with Kirk Kurokawa
Hybrid Event on Zoom & In-Person.
APRIL 29, 2023 | 10:30AM
Ikebana Workshop
Cost: $45.00 per person
MAY 13, 2023 | 1PM DOORS OPEN
Monthly Movie Matinee
Free! Reservations required. Hosted at the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center.
JUNE 10, 2023 | 1PM DOORS OPEN
Monthly Movie Matinee
Free! Reservations required. Hosted at the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center.
JUNE 17, 2023 | 1:30PM
“Yakamashii!” with Kathy Collins & Uluwehi Guerrero
Hybrid Event on Zoom & In-Person.
JULY 08, 2023 | 1PM DOORS OPEN
Monthly Movie Matinee
Free! Reservations required. Hosted at the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center.
JULY 15, 2023 | 9:30AM & 12:30PM
Zen Rock Workshop
Cost: $45.00 per person
AUGUST 12, 2023 | 1PM DOORS OPEN
Monthly Movie Matinee
Free! Reservations required. Hosted at the Stanley Izumigawa Resource Center.
AUGUST 19, 2023 | 1:30PM
“Yakamashii!” with Kathy Collins & Eric Gilliom
Hybrid Event on Zoom & In-Person.
